Ama Dablam

Our Ama Dablam itinerary remains flexible. We seek to gain adequate acclimatization managing our exposure at higher elevations.

Day 1 • Arrive Kathmandu

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal (KTM). Mountain Gurus representatives will transfer you to the hotel. Our trek begins in the historic city of Kathmandu, known for its fascinating Nepalese culture and ancient temples. The hotel is located near the popular Thamel district jammed with restaurants and shops selling Nepali handicrafts. In the late afternoon we will have a trek orientation and equipment check.

Day 2 • Kathmandu

After breakfast we begin our tour of Kathmandu’s world heritage sites. Among them we visit Durbar Square a complex of palaces, courtyards, Hindu temples and home of the Living Goddess, Kumari Ghar. Next, we visit the always favorite Monkey Temple known as Swayambhunath, situated on a small hill which offers panoramic views of the city and very curious monkeys. As time allows we’ll visit the temples of Pashupatinath and Boudhanath. (B)

Day 3 • Flight to Lukla • Phakding • 8,700 ft

We transfer to Kathmandu’s domestic airport for our morning flight to Lukla. The views from the twin-engine Otter are nothing less than remarkable, providing amazing scenes of the terraced Nepalese hillside and Himalayan giants including the crown jewel Mount Everest towering in the distance. Once in Lukla we are welcomed with a cup of tea and meet our Sherpa staff. The trek into the Khumbu region begins with a few hours walk until we reach a long suspension bridge connecting the two sides of Phakding. (B, L, D)

Day 4 • Namche Bazaar • 11,300 ft

The trek continues along the banks of the Dudh Koshi crossing the “Milky River“ many times as we pass small Sherpa farming villages laden with prayer flags and carved prayer stones known as “Mani Stones“. We carry light packs as porters carry all our heavy expedition gear. After entering Sagamatha National Park, the trail climbs steeply through the forest giving us a chance of seeing our first glimpse of Everest before arriving in Namche Bazaar the main trading center of the Sherpa people and gateway to the Khumbu Valley. (B, L, D)

Day 5 • Namche Bazaar • 11,300 ft

We begin our day with an acclimatization trek above Namche Bazaar to Sunrise Point and the Everest View Hotel. Here we’re rewarded with a spectacular view of Mount Everest rising above the massive Nuptse face with Lhotse and the distinctive Ama Dablam in sight. On the way down, we explore the lively village of Namche with its interesting trekking shops and street merchants selling an assortment of Tibetan wares. As we walk the stone paved streets one can’t resist stopping by the local bakery for a cup of coffee and slice of pie. We spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying the fresh mountain atmosphere. On Saturday mornings, a local market is held in the center of the village which allows for interesting people watching. (B, L, D)

Day 6 • Tengboche Monastery • 12,850 ft

As we leave Namche our trekking route follows the steep hillside high above the Imja Khola. Magnificent views of Ama Dablam, Kantega and Thamserku increase with every step. We descend to the river, crossing it and begin the steep climb to Tengboche, regarded by many as the hardest day of the approach trek. The afternoon is spent touring the historic monastery considered the spiritual heart of the Khumbu region and residence of the famous Rinpoche revered by Buddhist’s. The route drops to Deboche a quite village situated among conifer and rhododendron forest where we spend the night. (B, L, D)

Day 7 • Pangboche • 13,100 ft

Our trek continues through rhododendron forest until crossing another suspension bridge high above the Imja Khola. The route climbs the sheer valley to the village of Pangboche traditionally known as the last year-round settlement in the Khumbu region. Ama Dablam meaning “mother’s charm box“ offers nothing less than spectacular views. We have the chance to meet and receive a blessing from Lama Geshe near to upper Pangboche monastery. (B, L, D)

Day 8 • Ama Dablam Base Camp • 15,000 ft

We descend to the river, cross a small bridge and then follow the route as it climbs up to base camp. As we trek the Southwest Ridge of Ama Dablam comes into view. (B, L, D)

Day 9 • Ama Dablam Base Camp • 15,000 ft

Rest and acclimatization day. (B, L, D)

Day 10 • Carry to Camp 1 • 18,900 ft

We begin our day scrambling up a boulder field near the base of Ama Dablam. We soon reach a series of rock slabs which present the first technical climbing of the route (Class 4). After gaining the slabs we arrive on the Southwest Ridge proper. We establish Camp 1 on the crest of the narrow and exposed ridge. We leave our gear at Camp 1 and return to base camp. (B, L, D)

Day 11 • Ama Dablam Base Camp • 15,000 ft

Rest and acclimatization day. (B, L, D)

Day 12 • Advanced Base Camp • 17,700 ft

Once again our team moves to ABC to spend the night. (B, L, D)

Day 13 • Camp 1 • 18,900 ft

We climb back up the ridge to Camp 1. We spend our first night on the ridge. (B, L, D)

Day 14 • Camp 2 • 19,500 ft

This morning we move to Camp 2. The technical rock climbing between Camp 1 and 2 is superb. The entire climbing route is fixed line; climbers use an ascender and sling as they traverse 4th and 5th class rock (up to 5.7) around gendarmes and towers. We continue climbing the extremely exposed ridge on high quality rock up the great “yellow tower“. Camp 2 is perched on a narrow ledge with unbelievable exposure and amazing views of the upper mountain and surrounding peaks. (B, L, D)

Day 15 • Camp 3 • 21,000 ft

Today we leave Camp 2 climbing mixed rock and ice up a 50 degree snow couloir and exposed traverse along “mushroom ridge”. Camp 3 rests just beyond the famous hanging glacier that is the Ama Dablam, or “Mother’s Charm Box“ for which the mountain is named. (B, L, D)

Day 16 • Summit Day • Ama Dablam • 22,349 ft

The route climbs steeply right out of camp. We climb towards the Dablam Glacier traversing right, around some crevasses and then climb a 40-60 degree snow rib which leads to the summit. From the summit the views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse and Makalu are outstanding. We descend to Camp 2 for the night. (B, L, D)

Day 17 • Camp 3 to Base Camp

Today we make our final descent all the way to base camp. (B, L, D)

Day 18-19 • Namche Bazaar • Lukla

Over the next two days we descend to Namche and Lukla. (B, L, D)

Day 20 • Flight to Kathmandu

After saying farewell to our Sherpa staff, we depart to Kathmandu on an early morning flight. (B)

Day 21 • Kathmandu

Spend the day exploring the Thamel District. (B)

Day 22 • Depart Kathmandu

Transport to Tribhuvan International Airport for flights home. (B)

Itinerary Notes
Mountain Gurus makes every effort to uphold the scheduled itinerary, although our guides are given discretion to adapt the itinerary for reasons beyond our control or due to the needs of the group. Meal schedule: (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner